By Rachel Okporu Fadoju

The wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, has threatened to prosecute political leaders and government officials for marginalising women in appointments, especially at the local government level.

Naija News learnt that the Edo State First Lady issued the threat on Wednesday evening at the Edo Women Summit to mark the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit.

Women from the 18 local government areas of the State gathered at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where the event was held.

While acknowledging the progress made in empowering women in various fields across the State, Betsy said the fight for gender equality had begun and that it was essential to secure positions for women in the highest echelons of power.

She noted that women had faced significant obstacles in their quest for political representation, as some men continued to resist and hinder their progress.

She drew attention to the treatment of female vice-chairpersons at the local government councils, describing their exclusion from important meetings and decision-making processes as unacceptable.

Obaseki’s wife warned that another battle for gender equality was on the horizon and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for marginalizing women.

She vowed to use the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to challenge gender-based discrimination within the political sphere, stressing that female officeholders deserve respect, equal opportunities to perform their duties, and fair compensation for their contributions to the State’s development as is being practised in the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the State level.

Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Ovia, commended the Governor’s initiatives, highlighting the promotion of teachers, with many now serving as permanent secretaries, and improved conditions for primary school teachers.

On her part, the Special Adviser on Strategy, Sara Esangbedo-Ajose, celebrated the increased representation of women in the State cabinet, noting the positive impact of Governor Obaseki’s governance.